Coto de Caza: Private ranch to gated community

"It has definitely put Coto de Caza on the map from a pop culture standpoint," Dunlop said.

Despite chatter about how the show has impacted real estate values and perception of Coto, Dunlop doesn't believe the character of the community has shifted much since he moved there in 1986.

"Coto to me, honestly, I don't think it has changed from a lifestyle standpoint," he said. "You have more people and more amenities, but I don't think the 'Housewives' show has caused a huge cultural shift."

Reality TV notoriety aside, residents say Coto remains a secluded and quiet community, keeping up annual traditions with its Easter EGGstravaganza and Fourth of July parade.

A few new amenities have been added to the community in the last five years, including the main country club's Spa and Sports Club, a polo arena and a dog park known as the Canine Corrals. There isn't room for much more, though, with hundreds of acres of trail-laced open space that can't be developed.

Coto's population also isn't likely to increase much, with just a handful of undeveloped lots sprinkled throughout the community. The last open lot in The Forest neighborhood, for example, is on the market now for $899,000, Ameel said.

Though Coto's size is stabilized, there are some questions about its next 50 years that remain uncertain: What will happen to the dilapidated General Store and Merryhill School properties? Will Coto become part of an existing or future city?

Related Links

These entry gates to a Coto de Caza estate have been featured since 2006 in the television show "The Real Housewives of Orange County." ISAAC ARJONILLA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Homes visible from near the south entry gate of Coto de Caza. ISAAC ARJONILLA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
The Spa and Sports Club at Coto de Caza offers Pilates and Spin classes, two pools and tennis courts. ISAAC ARJONILLA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Coto de Caza features two 18-hole courses that were designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. ISAAC ARJONILLA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Trainer Emily Trowbridge-Tuttle rides Paris during training lessons at the Equestrian center in Coto de Caza. ISAAC ARJONILLA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Elizabeth Burke participates in a horseback riding lesson at the Equestrain Center in Coto de Caza. ISAAC ARJONILLA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Film star John Wayne and his youngest son, Ethan Wayne, meet with a falconer at Coto de Caza in the late 1960s. JOHN WAYNE ENTERPRISES
A man participates in a rodeo at Coto de Caza around 1969. BOB BLANKMAN OF FIRST AMERICAN
A view of the village in the Coto de Caza development, Jan. 17, 1987. FILE: CHRIS COVATTA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.